Chandler Taylor says he’s excited to be drafted by the Houston Astros and looks forward to starting his professional career.

Taylor, the Alabama Christian graduate and University of Alabama outfielder, went to the Astros in the 10th round of the annual draft Tuesday.

“I’m just excited for the opportunity,” Taylor said. “It’s something that people who are in our game dream about. Now I have the opportunity to go do what I want.”

Taylor went with the 312th overall pick, which has a Major League Baseball-assigned slot value of $136,800.

If he signs, he’s likely headed to the Tri-City ValleyCats, just outside Albany, New York, in the short-season New York-Penn League.

“I’m sure it will be sometime in the next 24-36 hours that everything will be finalized and I’ll be on my way,” Taylor said.

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In this June 5, 2014, file photo, Alabama Christian Academy and All-Metro baseball player Chandler Taylor poses at Paterson Field in Montgomery.(Photo: Mickey Welsh/Advertiser)

Taylor passed on a professional chance last year after being taken in the 27th round by the Minnesota Twins and returned to the Crimson Tide.

After being drafted, he continued to play in the prestigious Cape Cod League and was the runner-up in the College World Series home run derby.

“Last year, I think a lot of the reason that I didn’t get taken until later on was because I knew my value as a player,” Taylor said. “I decided early on that I wasn’t going to shortchange myself. That caused some disagreements and I didn’t get picked until later on, but it gave me opportunity to play on the Cape and learn more about myself.

“I think I’m way more prepared to go play this summer than I was last summer.”

Taylor hit just .223 but led Alabama with 13 home runs this year. He has 38 career home runs.

Troy had two players taken Tuesday. Center fielder Brandon Lockridge went in the fifth round to the New York Yankees, while shortstop Matt Sanders landed with the Seattle Mariners in the 10th round.

Faulkner pitcher Alex DuBord was taken by the San Francisco Giants in the 10th round.

Pitcher Jake Walters, a teammate of Taylor's at Alabama, went to the Miami Marlins in the ninth round.

After the state sported two first-rounders, including the No. 1 overall pick, the state's high schools had a player go in the second round Monday. Shortstop Jeremiah Jackson of St. Luke's went 57th overall to the Los Angeles Angels.